ECA � American Spaces

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, American Spaces are cultural and information centers around the world that provide free and open access for members of local communities to learn more about the United States, develop skills, and access a wide range of resources. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and hosted at U.S. embassies, consulates, and various local partner institutions, approximately 600 American Spaces in 145 countries host programs and events that foster learning, discussion, and civic engagement around democratic principles. Most American Spaces are based on partnerships with local organizations (libraries, universities, binational centers, NGOs) that provide facilities and staff, but some are located in U.S. government-owned facilities, to include embassies or consulates. The Office of American Spaces in Washington, D.C., and its training unit in Vienna, Austria, provide centralized oversight, strategic direction, funding, training and programming resources to all American Spaces, while U.S. embassies and consulates implement the programming to engage foreign audiences in support of U.S. national interests. The six core programming areas that take place in American Spaces draw on the breadth of what the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers: Promotion of U.S. higher education, including EducationUSA advising; English language learning and teaching; Exchange Alumni engagement; strategic cultural programs that utilize ECA�s and other envoys (arts, music, sports, science, and more); professional skills building; and accurate information about the United States, such as through connecting with expert American speakers. The State Department�s Public Diplomacy Strategic Framework calls for the revitalization of existing American Spaces and the establishment of new ones. The Director of ECA/A/M leads the American Spaces strategy, under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for ECA Academic programs. ECA coordinates with other Department bureaus (R/PPR, regional PD offices, GPA, OBO, DS, and IRM, among others) as appropriate to ensure that all interests are met.

Types of Assistance: PROJECT GRANTS